In a dramatic twist to the T20 World Cup preparations, Pakistan has thrown its weight behind Bangladesh, infuriating the ICC and sparking fears of harsh repercussions. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s outspoken criticism of the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh’s exit has turned heads and tightened tempers at the sport’s helm.

Bangladesh’s abrupt pullout from the tournament—due to qualms over playing in India on security grounds—prompted the ICC to slot in Scotland as a replacement. Naqvi lambasted this move as discriminatory, pointing to past leniency shown to Pakistan and India on venue issues. ‘Bangladesh is a key player in cricket; they deserve better,’ he asserted.

Naqvi clarified that while PCB operates independently, ultimate decisions on participation rest with the Pakistani government. Awaiting the Prime Minister’s input post his foreign trip, the board is bracing for potential directives.

The ICC, viewing Naqvi’s remarks as confrontational, is reportedly contemplating a multi-pronged response: barring Pakistan from the Asia Cup, halting all bilateral engagements, and blocking NOCs for PSL-bound overseas stars. A Pakistani boycott of the T20 World Cup could trigger even graver measures, unsettling the cricketing calendar.

Cricket fans worldwide are left pondering if this geopolitical friction will derail the excitement of the T20 spectacle. With high stakes involved, diplomatic maneuvers behind the scenes might yet salvage the situation—or ignite a full-blown crisis.